balance wheel (balanshwel)

1. A wheel in a watch or chronometer which by the regularity of its motion determines the beat or strike.-2. Figuratively, whatever serves for the regulation or coördination of movements. These are in themselves very objectionable; the true regulators, the proper balance - wheels, are those which have been described. Brougham. Balance-wheel engine, a watchmakers' instrument, used in the construction of the balance-wheel. - Balance-wheel file, a watchmakers' file with three sides, one convex and cut, the others plane and smooth. It is used in working in the sector openings of a balance-wheel.Compensation balance-wheel, a balance-wheel whose rim is formed of two metals of different expansive powers, so arranged that the change of size of the wheel, as the temperature rises or falls, is compensated for by the change in position of the parts of the rim. balandra (ba-lan'dra), n. [Sp. Pg. balandra F. bélandre, E. bilander: see bilander.] A small coasting ve el used in South America. tot us. th IMG:content-1579.png:[blocks in formation]